IOPC Funds participates in 2024 RAMOGEPOL exercise

Photo Credit: Tiziana Chieruzzi of Italy’s Ministry of Environment

The IOPC Funds participated in the 2024 RAMOGEPOL exercise from 28 to 30 May in Viareggio, Italy. RAMOGEPOL, a regional emergency response plan set up by France, Italy, and Monaco to combat marine pollution accidents in the Mediterranean, is organised yearly by the three States.

This year’s event included a simulation exercise at sea and onshore involving maritime response agencies from the three coastal States, the European Maritime Safety Agency and its personnel and vessels, national and local authorities, non-governmental organisations as well as other stakeholders. About 70 people attended the event together with observers from Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro. Through these activities, the participating nations enhance their preparedness to respond to a major maritime incident and strengthen cooperation among themselves.

IOPC Funds’ Senior Claims Manager, Chiara Della Mea, took part in the exercise as part of a group of experts who advised participants on overall response to the simulated oil pollution incident, including on resource deployment at sea and onshore, in line with the RAMOGEPol plan. She also delivered a presentation on the international liability and compensation regime, focusing particularly on claims for compensation for clean-up operations.